Priestcraft, and not the teachings of our Lord and his apostles, is responsible for the division of the church into two classes called “clergy” and “laity.” It is still the spirit of priestcraft that seeks to lord it over God’s heritage in every way possible–proportionately to the density of the ignorance prevailing in any congregation.
The word “ordain” in respect to elders – those who preside over the church – occurs in Titus 1:5. It is from the Greek which signifies “to place down.” “Set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I gave thee charge.” (Revised Version.) This text seems to imply that Titus was empowered to appoint these elders, regardless of the wishes of the congregations (churches, ecclesia in Greek); and it is on this view that the whole clerical system rests.
The leading churches all claim for their bishops an apostolic authority to set (to place or appoint) elders for the congregations – without the stretching forth of the hand or vote of the church. This text is the bulwark of this idea; but it appears to be rather a weak support when we notice the last clause, “As I gave thee charge,” and reflect that the apostle would surely not give Titus “charge” or instruction to do differently from what he (the apostle) did in this matter. The account of the apostle’s own procedure, rightly translated, is very explicit: “And when they had elected them elders by a show of hands in every ecclesia, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord” (Acts 14:23).
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1140: “Does My Church Leadership Have It Right?”
Uncovering what biblical church organization and leadership look like
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CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1039: “Have You Lost Faith in Your Spiritual Leaders?”
The dangers, pitfalls and powerful reality of Christian leadership
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
